American and British forces carried out a fresh wave of strikes against 18 Houthi targets in Yemen, following weeks of unrelenting attacks on Red Sea shipping by the Iran-backed rebels. The strikes specifically targeted weapons storage facilities, attack drones, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter. Several countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, provided support to the strikes. The joint statement emphasized that the Houthis’ attacks on commercial and naval vessels pose a threat to the global economy and regional security. In response, the United States and its allies will continue to defend lives and ensure the free flow of commerce in the critical waterways. The Houthis, however, remain defiant and have vowed to escalate their military operations against hostile targets in the Red and Arab Seas.

The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that four Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s targeted Houthi drones, used for reconnaissance and attack missions, northeast of Sanaa. The strikes come after several merchant vessels, including the Rubymar, were attacked in the region. The crew of the Rubymar had to abandon ship after it was hit and began taking on water. Another attack near the port of Djibouti was reported, but no damage or injuries were reported to the vessel. The United States has previously carried out unilateral strikes against Houthi positions and weaponry in Yemen, including downing missiles and drones in the Red Sea. In response to the latest attacks, the Houthis have declared American and British interests as legitimate targets. They claim to target Israel-linked vessels in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has led to growing anger across the Middle East, resulting in violence involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.